DPT Portfolios

Professional Goal Statement

I seek to become a physical therapist known for providing the best care and having a positive relationship with every patient that I have the privilege to treat. I hope to work in the sports setting where I get to serve athletes and those living an active lifestyle. Genuine compassion, humility, and evidence-based practice are at the core of what I want to embody as a clinician. I want to enjoy my work and empower each patient so that they can return to doing what they love.

Career Plan

• Past Experiences & Accomplishments
  • Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science, UNC Chapel Hill (2016-2020)
    • Strength and Conditioning Internship: UNC Athletics (2018-2019)
  • Clinical Experiences
    • Clinical Affiliation I: Outpatient Orthopedic – UNC Lenoir Healthcare, Kinston, NC; June-August 2021 (8 weeks)
    • Clinical Affiliation II: Neurological – Hillcrest, Raleigh NC; February-April 2022 (8 weeks)
    • Clinical Affiliation III: Acute Care – UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC; April-June 2022 (8 weeks)
    • Clinical Affiliation IV: Outpatient Sports/Orthopedics – Rehab 2 Perform, Frederick, MD; May-July 2023 (12 weeks)
  • Goals
    • Less than 1 year:
      • Graduate from the DPT program at UNC in July 2023.
      • Pass the NPTE and become a licensed physical therapist.
      • Obtain employment in an outpatient sports physical therapy clinic.
    • Within 5 years:
      • Complete a sports physical therapy residency.
      • Become a board certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS).
      • Obtain employment in the Division 1 sports setting.
      • Serve as a clinical instructor and mentor to students interested and passionate about sports physical therapy.
    • 10+ years:
      • Own and operate a sports physical therapy and performance facility that provides the best possible care to athletes of all levels.

Self-Assessment

• Strengths
  • Intellectual humility and curiosity
  • Professionalism
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience in a variety of settings with individuals from numerous different backgrounds
  • Experience with athletes at every level – youth, high school, college, and professional
• Opportunities for Professional Growth
  • Confidence in clinical skills and decision-making
  • Deeper understanding of the business/administrative aspect of physical therapy practice
  • Shadowing sports physical therapists, connecting with athletic trainers and learning from strength and conditioning coaches

Objectives

• Pass the NPTE and become a licensed physical therapist.
• Graduate from the DPT program at UNC.
• Become employed in an outpatient sports physical therapy clinic following graduation.
• Receive direct mentorship from more experienced clinicians in the sports and orthopedic physical therapy setting.
• Complete a sports physical therapy residency and become a board certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS).
• Become a clinical instructor and mentor for student physical therapists passionate about sports PT.

Specific Strategies

• Continue with structured NPTE study plan.
• Continue reading, appraising, and synthesizing the latest relevant evidence in sports and orthopedic physical therapy.
• Continue to be an active member within the APTA and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) to learn from experienced clinicians and further develop my professional network.
• Continue to seek out continuing education opportunities in areas of interest.
• Become involved with community outreach and other avenues for growth such as shadowing ATs and S&C coaches at nearby schools and/or universities.

Justice, Equity, and Inclusion

The experiences that I completed for justice, equity, and inclusion were helpful in increasing my awareness of how I might practically approach and care for those with different perspectives, beliefs, and backgrounds. I will approach each patient interaction knowing that they are their own person with a story and numerous life experiences and influences that have shaped who they are. I will value them and will seek to make them feel significant during my time treating them. It is helpful to have the perspective of how other’s differences should not be divisive, but instead be opportunities to learn and advocate for those who may feel like they have less of a voice regardless of what it might be.

Product Examples

• Capstone project: https://dptcapstone.web.unc.edu/2023/04/26/strength-training-conditioning-and-periodization-principles-for-the-orthopedic-sports-pt/
• Business plan: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cSsEGFCI2ZqDRNpIS3xrG3-OhD7OW1CSqd5xHKw9QRU/edit

Reflective Statement

As I reflect over my time at UNC, I’m beyond grateful for the relationships that I’ve built and the numerous lessons I’ve learned. I am certain in saying that I am a better person and will be a better physical therapist because of those who I’ve had the pleasure of being around the last 3 years. I’ve had so many enriching experiences that will help me as I seek to achieve my professional goals. I’ve grown in my ability to think critically, work effectively alongside others towards a common goal, and developed a greater desire to continue to learn and grow. I hope to accomplish all of what I detailed above but am also so excited to see what each of my classmates goes on to accomplish.

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